Marin County Nonprofit Creates Affordable Housing

"An affordable model unit under construction at Kamakoa Nui." by Hawaii County licensed under CC BY 2.0
An affordable model unit under construction at Kamakoa Nui.” by Hawaii County licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: New York Times

To combat rising property costs in Marin, the nonprofit Community Land Trust Association of West Marin (CLAM) is working to acquire property for low-income housing. Unique from other low-income housing initiatives, CLAM buys properties spread throughout the community to rent at below-market prices, instead of creating consolidated developments.

Keeping ahead of the housing market, the group has found success by using a community land trust model– they will sell house to a family, but retain the land beneath it, rendering the home permanently affordable.

In its latest endeavor, the group is looking into acquiring a former site of residential military housing. Although law requires it be sold at market prices, CLAM’s immense community support could enable a successful effort to obtain the site for affordable housing.

Read full story at: New York Times

Children & Families, News
Children & Families, News